Nearly Two-Thirds Of UAE Parents Back Social Media Ban For Under-16s, But Children Divided

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UAE parents support social media ban strongly, while children remain divided, highlighting growing concerns over digital impact on families.

• Family First unveils preliminary findings from world’s first global intergenerational study of a social media ban for under-16s in 15 countries
• 63% of UAE parents back a social media ban for under-16s, with support highest in Malaysia (77%) and India (75%), and lowest in Japan (38%) and Nigeria (39%)
• Data reveals generational divide: 45% of UAE children support a ban – an 18-point gap compared to parents. Worldwide, support for a ban among children is also highest in Malaysia, India (both 62%), and China (50%), and lowest in Japan (20%), Argentina, and Sweden (both 26%)
• In the UAE, 67% of Gen Z – the first true digital natives – support a social media ban for under-16s – the second highest globally after India (73%). Support for the ban is lowest in Japan (28%), UK and Canada (both 40%)

Dubai: Following Australia’s first-of-its-kind ban on social media for under-16s, and with more than two dozen countries considering similar measures, new global research from Family First, a Varkey Foundation initiative, shows that 63% of UAE parents support a social media ban for under-16s in their country. However, children are more divided: 45% of 9- to 18-year-olds in the UAE back a ban, while 33% are against it, and 22% are undecided. Strikingly, a large majority of Gen Z respondents in the UAE (67%) support banning social media for under-16s, the second highest after India (73%). This is particularly noteworthy given they are the first generation to have grown up with social media from childhood.

The findings come from the world’s first global intergenerational study of family bonding, surveying children, parents, Gen Z and grandparents, with the full results published in June by Family First. This will feature the world’s first Family Bonding Index, which assigns countries a score based on the strength of family connections. The initial results, launched today, highlight differences between generations in their views on banning social media for under-16s in their respective countries. 

Family First is a global movement launched by the Varkey Foundation to strengthen intergenerational bonds between children, parents and grandparents, with the aim of building stronger communities across generations. Launched by Sunny Varkey, founder of GEMS Education, the movement reflects a longstanding commitment to fostering strong family values and encouraging greater support between children and parents, contributing to healthier and longer lives. It is rooted in the belief that education goes far beyond academic achievement – it shapes values and develops not only students, but future parents, future leaders, and stronger societies.

“This research highlights a growing tension many families are experiencing in the digital age. Parents throughout the world are increasingly concerned about the impact social media may be having on their children. Our aim with Family First is not simply to debate bans, but to start a broader conversation about how technology is shaping family relationships and the values young people grow up with. If we want stronger families tomorrow, we must help children develop healthy relationships with technology today.”

Sunny Varkey, Founder of Family First and the Varkey Foundation

Among the countries surveyed, support for a ban among parents is highest in Malaysia (77%), India (75%), and France (74%). Japan records the lowest level of support at 38%, followed by Nigeria (39%) and the US (51%). 

Globally, only 37% of children support a ban on social media for under-16s. Support for a ban among young people is highest in Malaysia (62%), India (62%), and China (50%). It is lowest in Japan (20%), Argentina, and Sweden (both 26%). 

The data reveals a divide between parents and children throughout the world. In the UAE, there is an 18-point gap between children and their parents in terms of support for a social media ban for under-16s. Australia has the widest generational gap globally (34 points), followed by Sweden (33 points) and Canada (32 points). 

The research also showed that the majority of Gen Z (51%) – the first true digital natives – support a social media ban for under-16s. Support for the ban is highest in India (73%), UAE (67%), and Malaysia (65%). Support for the ban is lowest in Japan (28%), UK and Canada (both 40%).

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